PhD Student in Veterinary Medicine Bacteriology with Focus on Infection Prevention

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet · Vollzeit

Uppsala, Schweden

Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health Doctoral Program: Veterinary Science Description of the PhD Project: Infection prevention is a fundamental part of all healthcare and aims to prevent the spread of pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria can survive and persist in biofilms, meaning that with insufficient cleaning and disinfection, they can spread between patients and increase the risk of healthcare-associated infections. This PhD project aims to generate new knowledge about infection prevention with a particular focus on the presence and spread of biofilms and control measures in small animal hospitals and clinics. The project will map self-monitoring and biofilm presence in the care environment and evaluate which cleaning and disinfection routines most effectively prevent bacterial spread. By identifying risk areas and developing evidence-based recommendations for cleaning and disinfection, the project will contribute to strengthening infection prevention work and reducing the risk of spread of pathogenic bacteria within veterinary care. Work Tasks: The doctoral student will participate in all parts of the research process. Work tasks include planning and conducting research studies, sampling at animal hospitals and clinics, microbiological and epidemiological analyses, as well as collection, processing and analysis of research data. An important part of the project is communicating research results both orally and in writing, to both scientific and popular science audiences. As a doctoral student, you will also participate in graduate training courses and contribute to the department's activities. Qualifications: Applicants must hold a master's degree, have proficiency in Swedish (spoken and written), and have good knowledge of English, equivalent to at least a passing grade in English B/English 6 from a Swedish secondary school. For specialized subject eligibility, a veterinary degree is required, or another biomedical or natural science degree with relevant content for the field. The degree must include at least 30 credits at advanced level and an independent thesis work. Eligibility can also be granted to applicants with other comparable education. The assessment is made on a case-by-case basis by the faculty board. Your Background: We are seeking someone with a strong interest in preventive infection control work, especially within small animal veterinary care. Relevant educational background for the position is a veterinary or animal health technician degree. It is advantageous if you have: Experience working in small animal veterinary care Interest in bacteriology and care hygiene Class B driver's license We will place great emphasis on personal qualities such as communication and collaboration skills, independence, accuracy and commitment to research as well as good initiative and organizational skills. The position is offered to the person who, after a qualitative overall assessment, is considered to have the best prerequisites for carrying out and developing current work tasks and contributing to positive development of the operation. About Us: The PhD project will be conducted at the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health (HBIO) at SLU. The department is part of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and is responsible for undergraduate education, research and graduate education across a broad spectrum of subject areas, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, genetics, breeding, immunology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, epizootiology, comparative medicine, food safety, bioinformatics, veterinary public health and One Health. Our research spans everything from production animals to sport and companion animals, laboratory animals and wildlife, with the goal of contributing to improved animal health, animal welfare and public health. More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/husdjurens-biovetenskaper/ Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Read more about SLU's graduate education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/. Employment Type and Salary: Employment as a PhD student (4-year program) Salary for the PhD student position follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps. Scope: 100% Location: Uppsala Start Date: By agreement, but no later than 2027-02-01. Application and Selection: Welcome to submit your application via the application button below by 2026-11-01. Read more about the attachments your application should contain at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/ Selection among eligible applicants will be based on the attachments submitted with the application and will take into account the ability to complete the education within the specified time. Trade Union Contact Persons https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in development for sustainable living, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals and ecosystems and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental farms and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The University invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work toward an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences forms the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.